Govt asks IndiGo to slash flights by 10%, Air India set to gain

In a rare intervention, India's civil aviation regulator and the aviation ministry have moved to rein in IndiGo after a week-long operational meltdown that disrupted travel for thousands of passengers.

- Dipali Banka, Abhishek Law & Swastika Das Sharma

Freed-up slots are expected to benefit Air India.

(REUTER)

On Tuesday, the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) and Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu separately announced a 10% reduction in IndiGo's overall schedule, a move that could open up valuable flying rights for rival carriers at the expense of India's largest airline.

DGCA had initially ordered a 5% cut in its 8 December order that was released on Tuesday morning, but reviewed its order on Tuesday evening.

"The matter has been examined in the Ministry," DGCA's evening release said. "In view of the recent abnormal cancellations of IndiGo flights resulting in substantial disruption to air traffic across the country, it has been observed that the airline has not been able to adequately manage its operational resources, including aircraft and pilot crew. Accordingly, the approved winter schedule of IndiGo be reviewed and curtailed by minimum 10%."